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Ignition interlock in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, an ignition interlock is required as a condition of getting your license back after certain DUI convictions or a chemical test refusal suspension. The PennDOT Bureau of Driver Licensing runs the program through its Ignition Interlock Limited License Unit.

Checked Oct 23, 2026Sources
First offense: only at a high BAC
First offense, to drive during the post-conviction suspension
no, unless offenders' BAC at or above 0.10
First offense, as a penalty or to get the license back
no, unless offenders' BAC at or above 0.10
Repeat offense, as a penalty or to get the license back
yes
IIHS, October 20261

    489 locations in Pennsylvania from the companies' own locators. Distances are straight-line; call to confirm the location services your device.

    Each dot is a service location listed by an interlock company. Orange rings mark your search.Company locators, Oct 2026

    Who has to install one in Pennsylvania

    Your situationInterlockHow longLaw
    First DUI with no prior offense, under the lowest penalty tierNot requiredNot stated75 Pa.C.S. 38052
    First DUI with a high blood alcohol levelRequiredNot stated75 Pa.C.S. 38052
    DUI with any prior offenseRequired to reinstateNot stated75 Pa.C.S. 38053
    Chemical test refusal suspensionRequired to reinstateNot statedpa.gov4
    Conviction for driving without a required interlockRequiredNot statedpa.gov4

    A judge can order an interlock in other cases too. Your court order or DMV letter is what binds you.

    Where each company can install in Pennsylvania

    You'll go back to the same company's locations for service for the whole order, so check that one is close to where you live and work before you book.

    Locations as each company lists them on its own locator (Smart Start, Intoxalock, LifeSafer, Low Cost Interlock, RoadGuard), pulled Oct 2026. Some shops serve more than one company. Alcohol Detection Systems doesn't publish a locator we could read.

    Interlock companies approved in Pennsylvania

    Also on the Pennsylvania list
    • AMS 2500
    • WC-9000
    • FC-250
    • LCI-777
    • SSI-20/30 (2019 Bulletin notice, 49 Pa.B.; likely outdated)

    From the state's approved list (read it). Use a company on this list, or the install won't count. 12-month figures are lease, install and removal from each company's filed or published fee schedule, not Pennsylvania prices; see how we add them up.

    How much an interlock costs in Pennsylvania

    Estimated total for your order

    1. RoadGuard
    2. Intoxalock

    Lease times the months you pick, plus install, removal and any enrollment fee, from each company's filed or published schedule (New York filing, 2021; New York filing, Feb 2021). Pennsylvania prices can differ; calibration visits and lockout fees come on top.

    If you can't afford it

    We haven't found a Pennsylvania assistance program in the statute or on the program page. Ask the court and each company about reduced rates before you install.

    Programs in other states

    The rules in Pennsylvania

    Program run by
    PennDOT's Bureau of Driver Licensing handles interlock licenses through its Ignition Interlock Limited License Unit, P.O. Box 68273, Harrisburg PA 17106-8273.5
    License you get
    You drive on an Ignition Interlock License, which is a limited license carrying the 'T' restriction code.6
    How long it lasts
    The period is one year or 18 months from the date your operating privilege is restored. The facts here don't say which offenses get 18 months.7
    State fees
    The application requires the section 1951 license fee and restoration fees under sections 1960 and 1547(b.2). Applying at a driver license center adds $11, and the other dollar amounts are on PennDOT's fee sheet.8
    Retest record
    Before you can finish the program, the vendor's declaration has to show no failed or missed required retests in the prior 60 days.9
    Getting it removed
    You request removal of the interlock from vehicles you don't operate using Form DL-21SCR. PennDOT mails Form DL-3731 about 30 days before you become eligible.10
    Violations
    Driving a vehicle without an interlock extends your period by 12 months on a first offense, and a second or later offense brings a recalled license and a 12-month suspension. Failing to make your vehicle available for maintenance or removing the device without authorization leads the vendor to notify PennDOT, which recalls the license.11
    Driving for work
    An employer can ask for an employment exemption using notarized Form DL-3805. It doesn't apply to school buses, vehicles carrying more than 15 passengers, businesses you own or control, or employer vehicles you can use personally.12
    Out-of-state license
    If you live outside Pennsylvania, you submit proof of residency documents. If you move, ask your vendor whether they operate in the new state and check with that state's DMV about transferring the restricted license.13

    Questions about interlocks in Pennsylvania

    How long do you have to have an interlock in Pennsylvania?

    Pennsylvania sets the interlock period at one year or 18 months, counted from the date your operating privilege is restored, with credit from when your interlock license was issued. Which offenses get 18 months isn't spelled out here, so check your PennDOT paperwork. A violation can extend the period by 12 months.7

    How much does an interlock license cost in Pennsylvania?

    You pay the section 1951 license fee and restoration fees under sections 1960 and 1547(b.2), plus an extra $11 if you apply at a driver license center. The dollar amounts for the new license vary, and PennDOT lists them on its fee sheet, so check that sheet for your exact total.8

    How do you get an interlock removed in Pennsylvania?

    You request removal from vehicles you don't operate using Form DL-21SCR. Before you receive an unrestricted license, the vendor sends PennDOT a Declaration of Compliance, which requires no violations in the prior 60 days. PennDOT mails Form DL-3731 about 30 days before you become eligible.10

    What happens if you violate your interlock requirement in Pennsylvania?

    Driving a vehicle without an interlock extends your period by 12 months from conviction on a first offense. A second or later offense means a recalled license, a 12-month suspension, and then one more year of interlock. Blocking maintenance or removing the device without authorization gets your license recalled.11

    Can you drive an employer's vehicle without an interlock in Pennsylvania?

    Possibly, through an employment exemption that your employer requests on notarized Form DL-3805. It isn't available for school buses, vehicles carrying more than 15 passengers, businesses you own or control, or employer vehicles that are available for personal use.12

    What if you move out of Pennsylvania with an interlock license?

    Ask your vendor whether they operate in the new state, and check with that state's DMV about transferring your restricted license. If you are a non-resident dealing with Pennsylvania, you submit proof of residency documents to PennDOT.13

    Related guides

    InterlockCompare is independent and doesn't make, sell or install interlocks. Not legal advice.

    Sources

    1. Pennsylvania: first offense, post-conviction suspension: no, unless offenders' BAC at or above 0.10iihs.org/research-areas/alcohol-and-drugs/alcohol-interlock-laws-by-state
    2. Is subject to the penalties under section 3804(a)(1) (relating to penalties) and has not had a prior offenselegis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.000..HTM
    3. the department shall require as a condition of restorationlegis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.000..HTM
    4. chemical test refusal violationpa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bd
    5. pa.gov/services/dmv/apply-for-an-ignition-interlock-limited-drivers-license
    6. ignition interlock driver's licenselegis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.001..HTM
    7. for one year or 18 months from the date the operating privilege has been restoredlegis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.000..HTM
    8. an additional fee of $11legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.001..HTM
    9. Failure to take or pass any required retest.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.000..HTM
    10. DL-21SCRpa.gov/services/dmv/apply-for-an-ignition-interlock-limited-drivers-license
    11. For a first offense, an individual's Ignition Interlock period is extended for one-year from the date of conviction.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bd
    12. without installation of an ignition interlock device iflegis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.038.005.000..HTM
    13. pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/driver-licensing-faqs/ignition-interlock-faqs